This document provides information about an introductory graphic arts course at Albany High School. The course will explore both digital and traditional graphic design concepts and techniques, as well as the elements and principles of design. Students will learn about graphic artists and artwork, graphic design techniques and careers, and colleges that offer graphic design degrees. The course will involve projects, exercises, assessments, and class participation. Students are expected to attend class regularly, turn work in on time, improve their skills, and follow classroom rules.

1. Albany High School
Mr. Sickler
Discovery Academy Art
msickler@albany.k12.ny.us

2. To design is to plan, organize, order and relate to control.
It signifies a human need to qualify thinking and doing.
Joseph Albers

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUeiZ6c6EBw
What Is Graphic Design?

4. Graphic Arts
Grades 10-12
1 Credit
This is an introductory course in Graphic Arts. We will
explore digital as well as traditional Graphic Design
concepts and techniques along with their relationship
to the Art Elements and Principles of Design.

5. We will learn about…
…art elements & principles of design
…graphic artists & graphic artwork
…digital and traditional graphic arts techniques
…graphic arts career possibilities
…schools and colleges that offer degrees in graphic design

6. Expectations
Attend class regularly and on time.
Turn work in on time.
Try to improve your skills with each new
project.
Do your best and help others.
Be prepared for class every day!
Follow all school and studio rules.

7. Grading Criteria
• Projects 50 percent
• Concept Experiences 20 percent
• Topic Assessments 10 percent
• Class Participation 20 percent

8. Assessment and Course Grading Criteria
1 Project Experiences
…creativity, originality, technical quality and conceptual
understanding of topics
2 Concept Experiences
…art exercises and practices that build a vocabulary and
conceptual foundation for larger projects
3 Topic Assessments
…approximately 8 topic assessments during the year, performance
based, verbal, or written
4 Participation
…be on time to class, be on task, participate in class activities,
behave appropriately, keep class work up to date and organized in
a portfolio

9. Materials
A 1 inch ring binder used as a portfolio
An optional sketchbook or notebook
Pencil and felt tip pen
Computer

10. Classroom Etiquette
Students are expected to comply with all City School District
of Albany policy and rules.
No food is allowed in the studio or class area.
Only capped beverages are allowed in the studio or class
area.
Devices such as cell phones and other devices that emit
sounds must be set so they are silent at all times.
You may use ear phones at the computer when the teacher is
not speaking to the class.

11. A bit about me…
• Taught Art at AHS for 17 years
• Taught Art - others schools 17 years
• I’m an artist…..mqsickler.us

12. Questions?